How to buy the new iPhone 8 and iPhone X that Apple just announced

Apple announced their new set of iPhones on Tuesday morning — the iPhone 8 and the iPhone X. They did their best to wow audiences with features like wireless charging, stronger glass and improved augmented reality in the iPhone 8. The presentation closed with Apple's infamous "one more thing," unveiling the more advanced iPhone X with an all-screen front, the ability to unlock the phone using your face and more.

Pre-orders for the iPhone 8 start this Friday, Sept. 15, with phones available a week later on Sept. 22. Pre-orders for the iPhone X start Oct. 27, with the phones shipping Nov. 3. (The new iOS comes out next Tuesday, Sept. 19.)

Both Apple and other retailers offer the option to pay the full price of these phone up front, or by getting them on an installment plan — that starts at $699 for the iPhone 8 and $999 for the iPhone X. Let’s take a closer look.

Apple senior vice president of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller speaks during an Apple special event at the Steve Jobs Theatre on the Apple Park campus on Sept. 12, 2017 in Cupertino, California.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Here’s where you can buy one once pre-sales begin:

Apple

They’re the company that makes the thing — why not buy directly from them? You may be able to find special deals from other retailers, such as gift cards or other discounts, but if you want to go straight to the source, here's how it works.

Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program

While they’re trying to make it simple, one added complexity is that it’s officially a loan. That means you need good credit to take part, and that you’re required to use a credit card to make your purchase rather than a debit card.

They also recently switched to allowing you to mail in your phone to do your upgrade, rather than stepping into an Apple Store — but you can still do that too, especially if you want a hand with your upgrade.

From your phone company

Many are used to buying phones from their phone company. Traditionally, they’ve locked people into contracts that were tied to subsidized phone pricing, but this structure has fallen away in recent years. Still, the option to buy an iPhone from many phone companies remains, so check with your carrier to see if you can get your iPhone from them.

At an Apple store, phone store or other authorized retailer

The Apple Store is an obvious stop to pick up an iPhone — even though lines can often go around the block when the phone first launches, supplies can be low, and pre-orders are a must early on — but you have other options too.

Many carriers that have their own stores will sell you an iPhone, so you can try AT&T, Spring, T-Mobile and Verizon — with thousands of stores across the nation, they can be an easier option than Apple, particularly if you’re willing to wait a little while.

Other major retailers that carry iPhones include Best Buy, Target and Walmart. Keep an eye on their shelves for new iPhones in the months to come.

This story has been updated.

Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the on-sale date for the iPhone X. KPCC regrets the error.